Isom, Texas, Hutchinson County ghost town. (original) (raw)

International Supply Co of Texas, Isom, Texas 1926

"Outsourcing? We don't need no stinking outsourcing!" Hardworking men of International Supply Co. of Texas in Isom, July 26, 1926
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Photo courtesy Paul Berg

History in a Pecan Shell

The site is said to have been founded around 1898 by John F. Weatherly, a rancher who built a dugout and gave the future town the grandiose (or facetious) name of Granada. Weatherly's wife wanted it named after her former home - a town in West Virginia (also defunct). Since this page is named Isom and not Granada, it's easy to guess which side won the argument.

The town has the dubious distinction of being the oldest of the townsites annexed by Borger.

In 1900 Weatherly opened a store in his ranchhouse which also became the first post office. Mrs. Weatherly opened a cafe and the community had a school opened by 1907. In October of 1919, the mail was diverted through Plemons and the Isom post office closed.

The Weatherlys lost interest in the town they founded and moved to Panhandle, Texas in 1922. But they wisely retained ownership of all that was Isom. When oil was discovered in early 1926, Weatherly returned and moved the town to the railroad's oilfield spur. It was directly across from Borger.

Isom was platted with all lots south of First Street being Isom, Texas and all streets north in Borger. From June to December of 1926, the towns were rivals.

Although the town had a railroad depot, several oil-well supply warehouses and no shortage of would-be citizens, a petition signed by 1,200 residents in early December declared Borger the winner. Isom's school merged with Borger's schools, driving the last nail in Isom's coffin.

Perhaps things would've been different if Isom had remained Granada.

Isom TX main street and oil derrick, 1926

Oil derrick off Isom's Main Street, August 17, 1926
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Photo Courtesy Ken Sharpe Collection

TX - Borger-Isom Depot

"Borger-Isom Depot"
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Photo Courtesy Ken Sharpe Collection

Isom Texas Forum

Hutchinson County TX 1907 postal map

1907 Texas postal map showing Hutchinson County & Isom
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

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